A.—No. 3.

57

Hon. Mr. Eussell to Colonel Hattltaiit. Napier, April 22, 1869. Despatches just received from Whitmore. I have no letter, but Herriek, fortunately here, has one dated Maketu, 19th, marked " Confidential," substance as follows: —Operations contemplated against the Ureweras from East Coast by Waikare-Moana side. Eichmond going down to Poverty, &c, to collect the A.C., taking Gudgeon and Porter. Eichmond wishes to meet Herriek at Wairoa, to take command of mixed column of Europeans and Natives. Eichmond purposes taking some Ngatiporous and some of Ihaka Whanga's people. Whitmore thinks such a column will succeed, as they will be pressed from Maketu side, and country is well known, and he presses Herriek very much to take command ; this Herriek has at once agreed to. Whitmore wishes Herriek to go off quietly to Wairoa without mentioning object, and to go prepared for another but shorter and easier Euakiture affair. Whitmore is going in from two sides, and will try to work up to Herriek. Supplies, he says, will be comparatively easy to Waikare, and it turns out that Maungapowhatu is not far off. This is all he says. Eussell.

Major Heeeick to the Hon. Colonel Haultaiit. Napier, 22nd April, 1869. Whitmoee has asked me to take command of an auxiliary expedition to co-operate with him against TJreweras. lam ready to go as soon as I can get my things from him. Have sent an orderly, and hope to start to-morrow by 2 p.m. Eussell has telegraphed to you contents of letter, and says he will provide a cutter if necessary to-morrow to Wairoa. Heerick.

Hon. Colonel Haultatn to Major Heeeick. 22nd April, 1869. Veet glad to hear that you will undertake command of Wairoa column. " Lyttelton" steamer brought some fifty men from Wanganui last night, and will take them on to join you as soon as possible, and I will tell Lambert to send all foot Constables that are at Napier also. Let me know if you want anything. • Haultaiit.

Hon. Mr. Eussell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 23rd April, 1869. Heehick is with me now, and tells me Lambert has been telegraphing to you about Natives. On 21st, your telegram says lam to have all arrangements with the Natives. Let this be strictly observed, or there will be conflict and mischief. I shall do nothing to commit you, but Natives must not be snubbed. Have you had time to consider my proj>osal about mixed Volunteers for Herrick's force. Henare Tomoana is keen to go with Herriek into the TJrewera country, or anywhere. "Wellington" just coming in ; will not go to-day. Agent will see captain, and let me know soon. No available craft here at present. " Star" will not be back till Monday. Ettssell.

Hon. Mr. Richmond to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 24th April, 1869. Just arrived per " St. Kilda." Left Whitmore on "Wednesday night at Matata. St. John and Eraser at "Whakatane. "Whitmore would move by Eangitaike, Tapiri, Ahikereru, to Euatuhuna and Maungapowhatu, with 150 Europeans and 300 Arawa ; the other column, 300 Europeans and 150 Ngatipukeko and others, to move up the Whakatane direct to Euatahuna and Maungapowhatu. There are fifty local cavalry moving to join 100 Ngatitu Wharetoa on the Upper Eangitaike or Taupo ; the " Sturt" is tending these parties. I have warned Ngatiporou and Newland on my way up ; have thrown surplus stores from Turanga into "Wairoa; left Bower to organize pack transport; called at Mohaka where Richardson's men were landing in consequence of a report of return of Hauhaus ; they were seen by Withers yesterday at Putere, and I fear have reached the lake. I propose to replace Newland's by H. Potao's men, and to form a column of 180 A. C. and 250 Natives of all tribes at Wairoa, first to endeavour to intercept the retreat of the Mohaka party to the lake, next to move by Puketapu to Maungapowhatu. Perhaps we may take Onepoto on the lake, as I believe the lake is the real Alsatia. I wish you could come down here and take charge. Please say to-night whether you agree to this movement. We start with stores for Wairoa at 4 a.m. to-morrow. BICHMOHIJ. 15

EICHMONI).

TELEGRAMS RELATIVE TO THE WAIKARE-MOANA EXPEDITION.